On the last day of primary school, an eclectic and somewhat combative group of friends plans to celebrate with an epic two-night sleepover. Things go awry when they fall into a river and are transported to the Forest of the Peaches, where they are met by humanoid creatures who believe the children are gods who have come to save them from the Lizard Empire. As months pass in this strange world, some of the children become more acclimated than others, resulting in increased tension in the group. Visually, the story invokes the surrealism of Carroll-s Wonderland with exotic flora, fauna, and curiosities around every corner, and there are echoes of Lewis-s Narnia in the plot-s focus on children-saviors in an alternate world. Australian comics creator Whyte shifts artistic style with each chapter, moving from pencil sketches to bright, borderline psychedelic cartoons and even a chapter with a pixelated motif à la vintage arcade games. It-s both alienating and engaging, keeping readers as off-balance as the children, who are trapped in an alien landscape they don-t quite understand. Ages 13-up. (June)

Gr 6 Up-On their way home on the last day of eighth grade, twins David and Lilly discuss their big plans for the summer (December in Australia). Yet when they fall into a river and land in another world along with a rogues' gallery of friends, adventures (and witty banter) await. The young humans are understood to be spirits, treated as special guests and emissaries, and generally exposed to the strange "peach" culture they've accidentally stumbled upon. Whyte employs different illustration styles. While the artwork is beautiful, the story is incredibly lengthy and may not suit reluctant readers used to more accessible graphic narratives. Standout panels include the layout of a magic tree house, handwritten diary entries, and detailed pictures of the flora and fauna in the new realm. VERDICT With an interesting narrative and age-appropriate characters, this title has plenty to offer patient readers. A strong additional purchase for middle and upper school libraries. Erinn Black Salge, Morristown-Beard School, NJ